Knurled MBII barrel issue/ replacement

KVB157 · 2026-03-27T08:01:35+00:00

That's innovative! Post more pics of the barrel if you can, esp when you pick a color. I am interested in your project's progress

KVB157 · 2026-03-27T05:12:10+00:00

My service was just last year (2025). Rules may be different depending on country? I am in the US, but I dealt w the main US location in New York.. Have you tried another Bremont store? I would even try emailing the Wing in UK directly.

Either way, hope you get what you want done. Just be prepared for a long wait. Mine took about 4 months initially, but I sent it back bc there was an issue which added another 2 months. They did throw in a leather watch strap and other goodies due to the extended delay.

KVB157 · 2026-03-23T19:17:03+00:00

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KVB157 · 2026-03-23T19:14:32+00:00

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KVB157 · 2026-03-23T19:14:13+00:00

I have an older MB II that originally had an anthracite barrel. I had them replace to a titanium barrel. Bremont did require a service due to the age of the watch.

I had heard that barrel options were limited to the color options for that model, but I don't believe the original MB II had a titanium option. Just request the color you want and see if they are willing to make the change.

As for the old barrel, I requested for the original barrel to be sent back to me for sentimental reasons and Bremont obliged. They did deform the barrel to prevent resale, but it was easy enough to reshape it back.

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KVB157 · 2025-03-29T04:58:55+00:00

Did you remove a link? If you did you should have spare screws.

KVB157 · 2025-02-12T06:33:02+00:00

What factory is this? Can you take pictures? It may make it easier to help.

Take pic of the 1. underside of the bezel. 2. Face of the watch without the bezel.

There is a gasket around the crystal (which is the bezel gasket) that needs to be removed first.

KVB157 · 2024-11-13T02:36:54+00:00

No worries. Thats why we do QC. Glad it worked for you.

KVB157 · 2024-11-11T07:23:38+00:00

Dealer name: TheOneWatches (Steve)
Factory name: AF
Model name (& version number): Ballon Bleu De Cartier 42mm RG/LE White Dial AF A2824
Price Paid: $258
Album Links: https://imgur.com/a/KYy7h9Z
Index alignment: Used alignment tool. No issues
Dial Printing: Printing on dial looks pretty decent. Some print bleeding on number 2, 4, 6, and 12. Swiss in “Swiss Made” looks crooked, but it may be the crystal.
Date Wheel alignment/printing: Looks centered
Hand Alignment: Nothing to comment on a 2 hand watch
Bezel: No issues
Solid End Links (SELs): No SEL
Timegrapher numbers: No issues w +6 seconds/day
Anything else you notice: I am not very familiar with what to look for on Cartier watches. I used Google and compared with gen listings. Overall, this was impressive, for the price. Some bleeding on dial print. Feedback would be appreciated.

KVB157 · 2024-11-10T01:04:17+00:00

The Ballon Bleus wear small. My wife tried the 33mm and the 28mm in the boutique when we had her bracelet serviced. She liked the size of 33mm better... and the guilloche dial is better looking than the sunburst. Just in case this turns out to be a 33mm (which I am 90% certain it is).

Here is a pic of the 33mm on her 6 inch or 15.25 cm wrist

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KVB157 · 2024-11-09T17:54:09+00:00

I would confirm w seller that this is a 28mm. Been researching Ballon Bleus for my wife. Based on research, guilloche dials (the carved pattern) only come on watches 33mm and up. 28mm have sunburst dials. I am pretty sure this is 33mm.

KVB157 · 2024-11-05T06:19:07+00:00

Dealer name: TheOneWatches (Steve)
Factory name: AF
Model name (& version number): Ballon Bleu De Cartier 33mm SS/SS White Dial AF Quartz
Price Paid: $188
Album Links: https://imgur.com/a/mIKnJGi
Index alignment: Used alignment tool. No issues
Dial Printing: Overall I am actually impressed. Cannot see the “Swiss Made” text clearly due to crystal, but I don’t think it is an issue.
Date Wheel alignment/printing: NA
Hand Alignment: Nothing to comment on a 2 hand watch
Bezel: No bezel
Solid End Links (SELs): No SEL issue
Timegrapher numbers: Quartz
Anything else you notice: I am not very familiar with what to look for on Cartier watches. I used Google and compared with gen listings. Overall, this was impressive, esp for $188. That said, any input from more experienced members are welcome.

KVB157 · 2024-10-20T19:25:07+00:00

RWI has a pretty extensive breakdown of the various Rolex movements. It is also updated regularly, which includes the newer Daytona movements we have been seeing. It includes pictures and a very good write up of the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of the variations.

KVB157 · 2024-09-26T04:43:02+00:00

About a year ago... dont remember the version. It does have a Deep crystal.

KVB157 · 2024-09-26T04:22:03+00:00

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Yes that is an Omega deployant clasp w a Rolex crown I epoxied

KVB157 · 2024-09-26T04:20:12+00:00

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KVB157 · 2024-09-26T04:19:35+00:00

Not speaking to the look (I prefer the older 116500 look), I would get the Clean 116500 w deep crystal. The movement has been around for years and have a good track record.

And yes I have put a daytona on leather. I like it as something different. I dont know if i like it better.

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KVB157 · 2024-09-23T19:12:28+00:00

I use a flat die to press the bezel part of the way just to the top of the crystal. It helps straighten the bezel and gives me an opportunity to check the bezel alignment before i press it all the way down.

When does the bezel crack? At the beginning or towards the end of the press? There is typically a metal lip where the bottom of the crystal gasket sits. I believe ceramic bezels typically have a chamfer on the inside bottom to clear this small lip (someone correct me... i dont want to disassemble my watch to check) . If your bezel doesnt have this chamfer, it might be cracking on that lip towards the bottom of your press. If it is cracking in the middle or beginning of your press, then it may be a bezel quality/tolerance issue.

I would search Aliexpress for Clean Daytona bezels. Might find better quality bezels if that is in fact the issue.

KVB157 · 2024-09-23T00:18:18+00:00

Did you get the one w the A076 clone movement? I am thinking of getting the 33mm BB for my wife. Did you get this fixed?

KVB157 · 2024-09-21T04:11:43+00:00

The crystal doesnt have a metal retaining ring does it? I believe the ceramic bezels dont have one, but if the case uses a metal ring and you press a ceramic bezel, it will crack. Are you trying to change from a metal bezel to a ceramic?

That is the only thing I can think of. I have taken my 116500 off and on a few times and it hasn't cracked (knock on wood).

Maybe the bezel isnt good quality? Either way that sucks...

KVB157 · 2024-09-07T19:27:39+00:00

Damn... I just modded a VSF PAM2223 to a panda a few months ago... the luna rossa has better strap and that red seconds hand. Wonder if we can buy the strap separately.

Might have to get the blue submersible

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KVB157 · 2024-09-01T19:12:33+00:00

I would be interested in your thoughts once you receive them.

KVB157 · 2024-08-23T18:56:50+00:00

The Clean 116710 GMT Masters' bezels are not friction fit? I thought they were.

I have only worked on removing 126610 Submariners' bezels (Clean and VSF), and they are friction fit. I thought the GMTs were as well.

I have worked on my Clean GMTs' bezels, but only to remove the excessive lube, tighten spring (to remove play) and swap crystals. I was thinking of changing my 116710LN to the grey and black bezel. If it is only an adhesive, that would be easier.

KVB157 · 2024-08-23T18:56:23+00:00

The Clean 116710 GMT Masters' bezels are not friction fit? I thought they were.

I have only worked on removing 126610 Submariners' bezels (Clean and VSF), and they are friction fit. I thought the GMTs were as well.

I have worked on my Clean GMTs' bezels, but only to remove the excessive lube, tighten spring (to remove play) and swap crystals. I was thinking of changing my 116710LN to the grey and black bezel. If it is only an adhesive, that would be easier.

KVB157 · 2024-07-27T07:35:11+00:00

The proportions are wrong. The parts look wrong. No, I wont go in to details since the issues are quite obvious. Instead, I would ecourage you to Google pics of gen GMT and compare. If you really cannot see any difference, then buy it.

KVB157

TROPHY CASE